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The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Safari in Tanzania

Planning your dream Tanzanian safari can be a daunting prospect. Our Ultimate Tanzania Safari Guide is here to answer all of your questions and give you some inspiration.

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Ten Animals You'll Only Find in Ethiopia

AdminSoa

July 19, 2017

Ethiopia isn't known as a safari destination, but check out these ten animals you'll find nowhere else in the world!

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The Ultimate Safari Packing List: What to Pack for your African Safari

AdminSoa

July 4, 2017

When it comes time to pack for your safari, we've got the ultimate packing list as well as a guide to how to dress for safari.

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10 Reasons to Visit Cape Town

Chris Walker Bush

June 12, 2017

Cape Town is one of South Africa's most popular tourist destinations with good reason! We highlight ten reasons why you shouldn't overlook this stunning city.

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Planning a Dream Honeymoon in Africa

AdminSoa

June 1, 2017

Planning your dream honeymoon? The Shadows of Africa team can arrange something truly unforgettable across our huge selection of destinations.

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Five Unmissable Luxury Hotels on Zanzibar

AdminSoa

April 19, 2017

Zanzibar: The Perfect Luxury Escape

With its white sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, and spice perfumed beach resorts, Zanzibar has become synonymous with the idea of a once-in-a-lifetime romantic beach escape.

Accommodation on the Tanzanian island runs the gamut from backpacker hostels to budget-friendly B&Bs to five star luxury resorts,

While there are options for all walks of life, today we're highlighting five of the most luxurious properties the Tanzanian beach escape has to offer.

Tulia Zanzibar, Pongwe

The very definition of a tropical island retreat, green and verdant Tulia is the perfect escape for those wanting privacy while they explore the white sand beach of Pongwe.

Guests at this all-inclusive resort can expect to get away from the hustle and bustle in their own luxury villa, complete with a Jacuzzi from which to soak it all in and a hammock to relax in after a day spent exploring.

While many resorts on Zanzibar offer all-inclusive options, Tulia Zanzibar's differs in that its alcohol selection is not limited to local beers and wines. Guests can indulge in a wide variety of drinks and dishes - ensuring you're spoiled for choice whether you stay for one night or one week.

For families, Tulia is a special option. The resort is the only one on Zanzibar with water slides, and its beachside location means you'll have access to all of the water sports that you'd expect to find on an island paradise.

Despite all of these amazing details, our team's favourite element of their time visiting Tulia? The wonderfully warm and welcoming staff!

Tulia prides itself on a high level of personal care, and guests are made to feel like honoured friends rather than being 'just another guest'. It's a welcome addition to the already stellar accommodations.

Park Hyatt Zanzibar, Stone Town

Located at the heart of historic Stone Town, the Park Hyatt Zanzibar blends Zanzibar's unique fusion of cultures with modern luxury.

The perfect base from which to launch your exploration of the city's labyrinthine alleys and bustling marketplaces, the Park Hyatt is also a beachfront property - the perfect middle ground between the city's two biggest attractions.

While designed in a distinctly Zanzibari style that keeps you firmly rooted in the culture you're exploring, rooms boast all of the modern conveniences such as air conditioning, TVs, and bath tubs. The hotel itself has a beauty and massage centre, fully equipped gym, on site shopping, and more.

For those wanting to experience Stone Town without surrendering luxury, the Park Hyatt is the perfect choice.

Star of the East, Nungwi

For many visitors to Zanzibar, the iconic beaches of Nungwi are the first thing that comes to mind.

The very picture of island paradise, Nungwi's long stretches of pristine white sand dissolve deliciously into the turquoise waters that seem to stay warm year round.

While many luxury properties adorn this band of sand like jewels, the Star of the East shines brightest.

Attached to the famous (and luxurious in its own right) Diamonds La Gemma Hotel, the Star of the East is the property's exclusive luxury retreat.

Guests enjoy 24/7 butler service in their private villas, each of which comes with sunny terraces and private pools.

An island of calm in the hustle and bustle of the popular Nungwi region, the Star of the East offers privacy with access to the very best that the island has to offer. Guests are free to use the facilities of the nearby Diamonds La Gemma Hotel and then retreat back to the Star of the East.

A real highlight of the resort is its open air gym and spa. What better way to work on your fitness than out under the dazzling blue skies with the ocean breeze to cool you off?

White Sand Luxury Villas, Paje

Southeastern Zanzibar isn't quite as popular as the often crowded beaches of the northeast, but Paje Beach draws a lot of its charm from this very fact.

If your dreams of Zanzibar paint a picture of an isolated beach, starry nights, and the gentle rattle & rustle of palms rather than loud music and laughing children, White Sand Luxury Villas on Paje Beach might be what you're looking for.

Rather than being just another beach side resort, White Sand seamlessly blends the luxury experience in with the idea of being on the beach. Each of the resort's sunny and breezy private villas has an outdoor shower and bath tub, perfect for washing away the salt and sand beneath starry skies.

Far away from the touristic Nungwe and Pongwe regions of the island, White Sand compensates for its isolation by giving its guests access to bicycles for exploring the nearby beaches.

There is also an extensive spa and beauty facility at the resort - including sauna, Turkish baths, massage, beauty services, yoga sessions, and a fully equipped gym.

For those looking to let their hair down, the resort boasts all of the usual water sports as well as three bars: a cruisy beach bar, a classy lounge, and a rooftop bar perfect for sundowners.

&Beyond Mnemba Island, Mnemba

The &Beyond name has become synonymous with luxury, and it's unsurprising that the luxury label has put together something truly remarkable for their Zanzibar property.

Designed for those wanting a true castaway experience, &Beyond's Mnemba Island property holds just twenty guests and markets itself as the perfect place for those wanting the experience of holidaying on their own private island.

It's barefoot luxury: the simple pleasure of feeling the sand between your toes combined with the decadence of private beachside bandas, candlelit walkways, and personalised service the likes of which you won't find elsewhere.

The island's private house reef and on-site PADI Dive Centre make it a perfect escape for snorkelling and scuba diving enthusiasts, while romantics have the option of private beach dinners, romantic walks, and much more.

It's a Maldives experience with a distinctly Zanzibari twist.

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Things to do at Lake Naivasha

Chris Walker Bush

March 11, 2017

Lake Naivasha is a popular stop on Kenyan safaris due to its proximity to a number of other attractions. Read on to find out why it should feature on your itinerary.

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When and Where to see the Wildebeest Migration

Chris Walker Bush

February 20, 2017

The Wildebeest Migration is the unchallenged king when it comes to safaris. Whether you want to catch it at its infancy in Ndutu or crave the high drama of a river crossing, this comprehensive guide has you covered,

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Lesia & Julia from the team visit Prison Island, Zanzibar

AdminSoa

November 10, 2016

Lesia & Julia from the Shadows team visited Prison Island in Zanzibar last week and met some new friends!